Rounds of extreme weather have hit Chile this year, triggering a chain reaction from fruit harvest failures to a decrease in exports and losses for fruit growers.

As one of the prominent fruit exporters in the Southern Hemisphere, Chile typically boasts juicy and sweet grapes, blueberries, and cherries that sweep North American and Asian markets, providing employment and earning foreign currency for local agriculture.

However, this year, the El Nino phenomenon led to a failed bumper harvest.

"The quantity of production is affected by this phenomenon, creating the negative condition for farmers that loss much money. We expect(ed) this year we have reduction in export capacity that could rise about 20 percent of our production. Maybe cherries will be very affected this year, also grapes," said Fernando, an environmental ecologist at St. Sebastian University.

In June, El Nino unleashed heavy rains on Chile's south-central region, overflowing more than 50 rivers and affecting almost half of the fruit trees in over 300 kilometers of major fruit planting areas. The situation worsened in November when Chile’s south-central region normally readies to welcome summer during which dry weather is favorable for fruits. This year, however, weird weathers have brought seemingly endless rain.

"When there is a season with El Nino, there is a challenge actually for the production of fruit especially for early season fruit like cherries. So, the growers, we need take all the cautions, try to avoid the rains in order to minimize the damage of them," said Francesco, a fruit producer.

Continuous rain led to low temperatures and reduced sunshine exposure, causing delays in fruit ripening and premature fruit drop with decreased taste and weight.

In response, some fruit planters covered their fruits with plastic roofs.

"We are using some kind of technology like these roofs that are helping to secure the fruits and quality even though it's raining. But of course using this technology brings higher production cost, which can be up to 40 percent more expensive than opening farming," said Francesco.

Unfortunately, this prevention approach is not accessible to all due to its high cost. Currently, even in Francesco's yard, only one-eighth of the area is covered.